Everyone has a favorite video game character! Someone that makes a game that much more enjoyable to play just for their being in it. Maybe you have a few favorites. Whether they’re funny, smart, sassy, or just plain weird, they’ve touched your heart in some way. Sometimes you can even feel that you relate to their story line, or just like how much they kick butt, the character is always an important part of making the games so special to the player.

Knowing how important the characters can be, we at Sandbox Gaming decided to do a list of our favourite characters from different games. Some you may agree with, and some you may disagree with. But please enjoy our list of characters, in no particular order from members of Sandbox Gaming.

Angie Strowbridge (volunteer) – Bayonetta (Bayonetta Series)

Ever since I first played Bayonetta in 2009 the character instantly resonated with me. My favorite thing about her is how she breaks the mold of other video game women. She is not afraid to flaunt her sexiness for herself, instead of being for male attention, because she knows who she is and is having fun with it. This attitude, combined with her over the top visual design – – high heels guns, how cool is that! As well as combat abilities, create a character who is a blast either to watch in cut scenes or to control in the game.

Doug Boyce (Volunteer) – Roland (Borderlands series)

Roland’s evolution from the relatively bloodthirsty, amoral Crimson Lance deserter in Borderlands to the much loved, respected and compassionate Crimson Raider leader from Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel/Borderlands 2 was a highlight of the series for me. Another highlight was his mentorship of Tiny Tina, and his relationship with the other three original vault hunters, especially the awkward on-off relationship with Lilith, which contrasted nicely with his otherwise confidant military and leadership demeanor.

Clint Gould (Committee Member) – Yoshi (Mario/Yoshi Series)

While he’s my main in Smash Bros. 4, my love for Yoshi began in Super Mario World. Once freed from an egg, he shows his prowess by devouring enemies. If cuteness is your thing, give Yoshi’s Story and Yoshi’s Woolly World a try. But most importantly, he wins the heart of gamers by showing his kindness alongside other Yoshi’s, protecting an infant Mario in Yoshi’s Island, one of the best games of the SNES era. His kindness makes you feel bad when you jump off his back to cross a large pit, watching him fall down, huh.

Thomas Rahal (Committee Member) – Solaire (Dark Souls)

By far the only person with a sunny disposition in Lordran, Solaire always brings a warm smile to my face when I see him. Understanding and possessing a lighthearted sense of humor, Solaire is an endearing character in the lonely world of Dark Souls. He’s always ready to engage in jolly co-operation, helping fight bosses with his sword, shield, and spears of holy lightning! Thereby ensuring his place as my favorite video game character.

The Saints Row series has a unique rag to riches story-line. What starts out as a silent protagonist, new to the gang-life, quickly turns into the leader of an ever-expanding gang, into the President of the United States. I absolutely love the protagonist in the Saints Row series because he has such a screw-you kind of attitude, he’s willing to kill anyone that gets in his way but still has a heart of gold when it comes to protecting his love ones. The fact that you get to customize him so much is great because you get to make him your own. I myself have always kept to the same look and sound since the beginning so he always feels like the same guy who grew up and stepped into his new roles as the games changed.

Tristan Greening (Volunteer) – Goombella (Mario Series)

It’s hard to explain why I like Goombella so much. I think the best way to describe it is that she doesn’t feel fake. She’s sarcastic, a quality I like in any character, and she isn’t all ominous about everything. She’s just excited to learn about The Thousand Year Door and its secrets, being a university student. I can relate to that. She’s direct, sarcastic and adorable. A great combination in my books.

Chris Stevens (Volunteer) – Sully (Fire Emblem Awakening)

I’ve always been a sucker for the red and green cavaliers in Fire Emblem, and the moment I met Sully in Fire Emblem: Awakening I was won over. In addition to being a fantastic unit straight through to late game (especially with second sealing), Sully’s support conversations convey a boldness, independence, and force of character that’s unquestionable and inspiring. Flattery gets you nowhere with Sully – Sully lets her fists, or her lance, do the talking, and those fists speak volumes. Her support conversations with Virion, especially the S, are among my favorites in the game. My second seal choice for Sully is always Wyvern Rider or Lord – I find her strength and indomitable spirit make her very well-suited to dragon-riding.

Dylan Hardy (Committee Member) – Lloyd Irving (Tales of Symphonia)

Lloyd Irving has a lot of nostalgic value for me. Tales of Symphonia was one of the first games I spent hundreds of hours on when I was younger. Lloyd is your typical happy-go-lucky Protagonist with an attitude that would shock your mother. However, throughout the two discs of Symphonia you see him go from a kid to an adult and the qualities he gains are quite admirable. He’s thick headed, stubborn and sometimes he takes big risks for little reward. The biggest thing for me though is he’s relatable, something I really enjoy in characters in video games. Play the game yourself and find out why he’s one of my favorite characters – I promise you that you won’t regret it.

Ashley Quirke (Committee Member) – Lucina (Fire Emblem Awakening)

When I chose Lucina as my main in Super Smash Bros. 4, I didn’t know a whole lot about her character. After playing Awakening, I know I made an awesome choice! Lucina is a strong female protagonist that relies on her own strength and determination to save her world and the people she loves. She never gives up, even when things seem bleak, and she inspires hope for a better future. Despite being a princess, she can be a little awkward – something I can certainly relate with, but she always tries her best! Yeah, ok. So she might not be top tier in Smash, but she can kick some serious butt on Awakening’s – and even Fates’ – battlefields! Hope will never die.

While a huge fan of the Assassin’s Creed series all together, I now have a special place in my heart for Evie Frye. Her sassiness and ability to stand up to her twin brother in the game makes her really entertaining and fun. Out of the two of them she is also the one known to be better at sneaking than Jacob was, which gives you a different experience while playing as her. Plus, her dedication to the Assassin’s and finishing her father’s work, as well as her loyalty to her brother, their new comrade, and her late father makes her quite real. Add all this together to her skills in fighting make her a great character from the Assassin’s Creed world, which is a bonus since there are such few female assassins’ in the series so far.